After a breakout 2010 season, Arian Foster followed that up with a strong effort in 2011, though a hamstring injury limited him early in the year.

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2. Ray Rice, Ravens

Ray Rice may stand only 5-9, but his rushing and receiving skills make him stand above so many others. He amassed 2,068 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.

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3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars

Maurice Jones-Drew rushed for a career-high 1,606 yards in 2011—not bad for a running back picked 60th overall in the 2006 NFL draft.

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4. LeSean McCoy, Eagles

LeSean McCoy, who scored a career-high 20 touchdowns last year, looks like he plays in another gear. His quickness and elusiveness serve him well.

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5. Matt Forte, Bears

Matt Forte is great as a rusher and receiver, but a knee injury kept him out of the final four games of 2011.

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6. Steven Jackson, Rams

Steven Jackson hasn't had much help around him in recent seasons, but he's still been productive when he's healthy. The only thing that has noticeably suffered is his touchdown totals. Those have been in the single digits since 2006.

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7. Chris Johnson, Titans

Chris Johnson has rushed for a total of 2,411 yards the past two seasons. That pales in comparison to the 2,006-yard season he had in 2009. He did come alive after a slow start in 2011, suggesting that he's still a special talent.

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8. Trent Richardson, Browns

Trent Richardson hasn't played a snap in the NFL, but expectations are high after the Browns selected him No. 4 overall in April's draft. He had great success in the SEC, despite facing tough defenses nearly every week.

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9. Adrian Peterson, Vikings

Adrian Peterson's torn ACL in the final week of 2011 was a tough thing to see, but Peterson is always about beating the odds. He's trying to be ready for Week 1.

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10. Frank Gore, 49ers

Frank Gore had never been to the playoffs until last year, when the 49ers advanced to the NFC championship game. Gore was a big part of that run, and even though the 49ers added LaMichael James and Brandon Jacobs in the offseason, Gore is still a big part of their puzzle.